Help understanding term 'Boon service"

[ARippin]

I'm new to this forum and wondered if anyone can shed light on the term 'Boon Service'.

I have found it recorded on my GG Grandfathers service record dated 1873.

He deserted for 2 years straight after being attested.
He went on to serve in India for 20+ years and it records the fact that he received the India Mutiny medal.

The 'Boon Service Granted' was for 2 years! I suspect from the small amount of research I've done that the 2 years he forfeited by his desertion was somehow 'reimbursed' as a benefit for good service?

Any thoughts from anyone who has come across this before or correct definitions greatly appreciated.

[carolchipp]

The following is from 'Analyses of the rules for reckoning soldiers' services'

'The two years boon service granted in pursuance of the
General Order of the Governor General of India, dated 12th
October, 1859, to the non-commissioned officers and men who
volunteered from the late forces of the East India Company, and
the one year's service granted to the. garrisons which defended
Lucknow and the Alumbagh respectively prior to the advance of
any portion of the forces under the late Lord Clyde, reckons
towards pension as private.'

Also, as far as I can remember, if a soldier forfeited service time (for various reasons, including I think, periods of desertion), if he subsequently gave long or gallant service then that period of service could be restored.

[ARippin]

Carol

Wow fantastic. Thankyou so much for your prompt reply.
I've just rechecked the actual wording on his discharge papers and it says....

'Boon Service granted by GOG, 28.10.59.... 2 Years'

So I'm guessing 'GOG' refers to General Order of the Governor.

He joined in 1850, deserted until 1852, left in 1873.

From what your last sentence suggests it looks like he redeemed himself as he has several good conduct badges and earned himself those two years back.

Going to look to see if I can find the document you referred to regarding the rules to calculating a soldiers service.

Many thanks again.